The Chargers announced on Thursday morning they have released Takeo Spikes. Here are a few of my thoughts on the move and on Spikes.

• To know Spikes was to be impressed by his football passion and football IQ. Norv Turner and John Pagano considered the linebacker a player-coach. He may have been released regardless, but it was easier for a new general manager and a new coach to do it. In his only two years with the Chargers, he won the team's most inspirational player award each year.

• Spikes, 36, will succeed in his next career, whenever that starts. He has long been interested in a media career. To that end, he went through an NFL-sponsored training program. He also had his own radio show during one of five career stops. Another job within football also could suit Spikes, who told me a few months ago that he thinks about what personnel moves he would make as an NFL general manager. A smart football team would look into hiring him.

• Spikes not reaching the playoffs in his 15-year career is still a stunner. When he signed a three-year deal with the Chargers entering the 2011 season, he said he was "chasing the ring" and figured the Chargers and he could end the drought. It didn't work out.

In an interview a few months ago, I told Spikes that it was ironic that his original NFL employer, the Bengals, for whom he was a standout, appeared headed to the playoffs for the second year in a row, something the Stripes hadn't done in 30 years -- yet when he played for the Bengals, the organization was a mess. "Story of my career," he said.

• The release of Spikes makes sense. Spikes had lost the speed to stay on the field as a three-down linebacker, or to roam sideline to sideline. The Chargers need to find out whether his backup, Jonas Mouton, can play. Mouton turns 25 in 10 days. A.J. Smith invested the 2011 draft's 61st pick in him, and he seldom has played, in part because of injuries.

Spikes, twice a Pro Bowler with the Bills, has played in 219 games, starting 215, including all 32 in his Chargers tenure. It's not clear whether he'll sign with another team.

"Takeo is a true professional and a class act," GM Tom Telesco said in a statement released by the Chargers. "We're grateful for his many contributions to the Chargers organization, both on and off the field, and wish him nothing but the best in the future."